My mother recently sold her home (the large family home we were raised in) so we decided we should have our family get together on a cruise. The cruise we picked was the one that best fit our constraints. The week everyone could go, leaving from Florida, 5 days, and preference of Western Caribbean. Quite honestly we were a bit leary of a Carnival cruise since we were looking for a quiet relaxing cruise, not a party ship with drunks making a scene. Plus reading about all the wild kids running around on summer cruises. In reality, I saw none of that. Yes, there were a few who had a bit much to drink but no obnoxious behavior. No wild misbehaving kids. Now, I think if I spent more time on the Lido deck I would have seen more of what people complain about. But I ate most meals in the MDR and since my mother uses a wheel chair to aide in moving around we really didn't spend time doing the activities on the Lido deck.

We ending up with cabins on deck 1 aft port. We wanted oceanview and l wanted a cabin that connected with my mothers. This section of the ship also had enough vacant cabin that all of us were near each other, even though that wasn't necessary. I actually loved the location of our cabin. Yes, you could hear some ship noise and vibration but it was more of a white noise. Otherwise it was quite and peaceful. The water was so close when looking out the windows and the window frame was deep enough, you could sit in there and just stare at the ocean. My sister and BIL had the very last cabin aft port. My BIL thought the cabin was a premium location and was surprised to hear it was considered a less desirable location. I think I like the idea of a balcony but often when we were on deck it was so hot and muggy I'm not sure I would have used the balcony as much as I would have wanted to. I liked going up to the upper decks and moving around to the side of the ship that gave a good view or shade.

The room itself, was clean and in good repair. My daughter didn't like the dated decor and is hoping it gets updated during dry dock. She was in the room when our Steward came by and she requested evening service because she wanted to sleep in. I decided I liked having evening service only. (I would have asked for both.) We both were up early enough to have morning service but I found it just more convenient not to worry about having my stuff cleared away until I was getting ready for dinner. She was rather upset the towel animal was replaced each day, she wanted to collect them. Read more